Sputnik quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that Moscow's forces have won many victories near the strategic city of Avdiivka in Donetsk in recent weeks.
Russian advances threaten to cut off and push back Ukrainian defenses inside the center of Avdiivka.
On the Ukrainian side, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army, General Oleksandr Syrsky, is trying to resupply forces to relieve the siege of Avdiivka. However, many Ukrainian units are gradually withdrawing from many defensive positions around the city due to the risk of being surrounded by Russia.
General Oleksandr Syrsky pledged to hold the line in Avdiivka after being appointed commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army by President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Photo: Reuters)
According to Russian military expert Andrey Koshkin, the Ukrainian army turned Avdiivka into a "fortress" after regaining control of the city in 2014.
“Ukraine turned Avdiivka into a fortified fortress in 2014. The amount of concrete used by Kiev to build bunkers inside the city even exceeded the amount of concrete for residential projects in some Ukrainian cities,” Koshkin said.
According to Mr. Koshkin, Ukrainian forces “invested a lot of effort, resources and money to turn this city into an impregnable fortress.”
Meanwhile, Russian forces took control of Avdiivka because Ukrainian artillery in the city could shell residential areas of Donetsk. According to Koshkin, protecting the safety of civilians in Donbass is one of Moscow's main goals, so capturing Avdiivka was necessary.
Map of the battle in Avdiivka as of the afternoon of February 13. (Graphic: ISW)
In addition, pushing Ukrainian forces out of Avdiivka would allow Russian forces to advance further west of the Donetsk region, and prevent attacks on Russian towns and cities.
Regarding the tactics that Kiev may use in the battle for Avdiivka, Mr. Koshkin said that General Syrsky will do everything possible to keep this strategic city, which he pledged to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky right after taking office.
“General Syrsky immediately mobilized their reserve units to Avdiivka. But it seems that so far he has not been able to relieve Avdiivka. Mr. Syrsky will take other actions to fulfill his commitment to President Zelensky,” Koshkin commented.
Tra Khanh (Source: Sputnik)
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